Students Rising Above (SRA) Rising Stars Program 2025-2026 Application

The Students Rising Above (SRA) Rising Stars Program is designed for high school juniors graduating in Spring 2027. This initiative empowers students who face systemic barriers to define and achieve success in education, career, and life.

Selected students will benefit from:

• Personalized mentoring support
• Financial assistance to ease the burden of higher education
• College and career guidance tailored to individual goals

The program’s mission is to provide individualized support so that every student can thrive academically and professionally.

Program Requirements

To qualify for the Rising Stars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current high school junior
• Enter senior year in the 2026–2027 school year
• Come from a low-income household or be living on government assistance
• Show commitment to earning a 4-year college education
• Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Reside within the nine-county Bay Area
• Immigration or citizenship status does not affect eligibility,  all students are welcome to apply.

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Application Process

The application process is structured to ensure fairness and thorough review:

1. Application Submission
   • Complete the Rising Stars Program application before the March 4th deadline.
   • Save progress and resume later if needed.
2. Review Phase
   • After the deadline, applications will be reviewed by six groups of three readers.
   • Each group carefully evaluates applications to identify potential Rising Stars.
3. Interview Invitations
   • Applicants selected for interviews will be notified in May.
   • Finalists will meet with the Rising Stars team for a structured interview.
4. Final Selection
   • The interview team will make final decisions.
   • Students chosen for the program will be notified by the end of June.

 Note: If invited for an interview, applicants must provide proof of family income using 2025 tax returns or other documentation.

Benefits of Participation

Joining the Rising Stars Program offers life-changing opportunities:

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals who understand systemic barriers.
• Financial Assistance: Support to reduce the financial challenges of pursuing higher education.
• College Preparation: Resources to navigate applications, scholarships, and admissions.
• Career Guidance: Exposure to career pathways, internships, and professional networks.
• Community: Becoming part of a supportive network of peers and mentors.

Confidentiality and Privacy

SRA takes confidentiality seriously:

• Application contents are reviewed only by the selection committee.
• Information will not be shared with outside organizations.
• SRA is designated as a Mandatory Reporter under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
• Applicants are encouraged to review the Privacy Policy for full details.

Key Dates and Timeline

• Application Deadline: March 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST
• Interview Notifications: May 2026
• Final Selections: End of June 2026

 

Why Apply?

The Rising Stars Program is more than financial aid, it is a transformative journey. Students gain:

• A roadmap to higher education
• Emotional and academic support
• Access to mentors who believe in their potential
• A chance to break cycles of systemic barriers

By applying, students take the first step toward empowerment, opportunity, and long-term success.

If you are a high school junior in the Bay Area who dreams of college and career success, this program is designed for you. The Rising Stars Program recognizes resilience, ambition, and commitment. Don’t miss the chance to join a community that will walk with you through every stage of your journey. Apply now.